Campeche (Capital City)

The gorgeous capital city of Campeche, located in Campeche State on the east coast of the Gulf of Mexico, is the largest city between Merida and Villahermosa and is one of Mexico’s best-preserved historic centers, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999. Founded in 1540, Campeche City was the first Spanish settlement of the Yucatan Peninsula and served as one of the most important ports in America, exporting forest products. Due to frequent pirate attacks, an enormous wall and several fortresses were constructed in the 17th and 18th centuries, giving Campeche a truly distinctive appearance.

A great way to get to know Campeche is on foot. Magnificently restored colonial buildings and houses painted in pastels line the cobblestone streets. Campeche´s historic center consists of three districts that represent the city’s history. The first is the walled section featuring mansions inhabited by the Spaniards during the colonial era; the second is the San Francisco district to the north of the fortification, containing some of the oldest buildings on the Yucatan Peninsula; and the third is San Roman, south of the city, where Mexican indigenous groups and mulattos from the Caribbean settled.

Interesting sites within the historic center include the Cathedral, built in 1540 and the oldest on the Yucatan Peninsula; the San Franciscan Church also built in the 16th century; and the Carvajal Mansion, once owned by the rich and powerful Carvajal family and converted into government offices and a crafts store.

Exploring the historic fortresses is also a must. Fort San Miguel, overlooking Campeche from the south, houses the Campeche Regional Museum displaying prehispanic antiquities; Fort San Jose, on the opposite side, has also been converted into a museum, featuring pieces from the colonial era. And Fort San Carlos houses a government-sponsored handicrafts market and a rather intriguing basement, with secret passageways linked to houses throughout the city, dating back to piracy times when quick escapes were needed.

Convenient trolleys are also available in Campeche. The “El Guapo” Trolley picks up at the main plaza in the historic center, making trips to the San Miguel and San Jose forts, and for trips around the historic center, jump on the “Tranvia de la Ciudad.”

To relive the battles between the Campeche residents and pirates, don’t miss the sound and light show at 8:00pm on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, in front of the Land Gate ("Puerta de Tierra"), built in 1732. Or take an afternoon stroll along the waterfront.

About 30 miles southeast of Campeche is the ancient Mayan city of Edzna, dating back to 600 B.C. and abandoned in the 15th century. Interesting buildings include the Temple of Five Stories (Templo de Cinco Cuerpos) with five levels, and the Temple of Masks, featuring head carvings with jaguar-like faces.